COURSE OVERVIEW

This course is designed for general practitioners who wish to build on the knowledge gained from the Professional Certificate and Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology. There will be a greater focus on difficult and complex cases in general dermatology. The importance of accurate screening and the rules to avoid missing melanoma are also essential learning. Submission and analysis of medical practitioners’ own cases are a key feature of this course.

This course is the final part of the three-part Professional Diploma of General Dermatology. The education pathway is Professional Certificate of General Dermatology, Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology and Professional Diploma of General Dermatology.

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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND COURSE REQUISITES

The Professional Diploma of General Dermatology is designed for medical professionals who wish to build upon their dermatological knowledge to accurately screen all patients with skin concerns in primary care. Participants can expect to develop the most advanced clinical skillset and critical awareness of dermatology principles and treatment options, with a greater focus on difficult and complex cases. The course is suitable for medical doctors, International Medical Graduates, and degree-qualified nurses and dermal therapists who work under the supervision of a general practitioner. Participants must have completed the Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology (or qualification deemed equivalent). HealthCert also highly recommends successful completion of at least 50 cases of general dermatology prior to enrolment.

Participants do not have to pass an IELTS test but, as the courses are delivered in English, proficiency in listening, reading and writing English is assumed.

Participants will require access to a computer/laptop, an internet connection and a basic level of technology proficiency to access and navigate the online learning portal.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Professionally accredited qualifications and prior studies may be recognised for entry into this course. Please send an email to credit@healthcert.com for an individual assessment of your prior qualifications and experience. This email should contain information about your educational history and work experience that specifically pertain to the content and procedures covered in the Professional Certificate of General Dermatology and Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology. Please include any applicable certificates and course outlines from previous education. The relevant Course Chair will make a determination on your application within two to three weeks.

COURSE CONTENTS

The course offers richly illustrated clinical examples and opportunities for interactive discussions on the cases provided and covers various dermatology conditions.

The theory sessions cover:

  • Bites (spiders, snakes and insects)
  • Skin ulcers, pressure sores and wound care
  • Pregnancy dermatoses
  • Oral mucosal diseases
  • Urticaria and drug eruptions
  • Nutritional dermatoses and delusions of parasitosis
  • Sexually transmitted infections and HIV
  • Vulvar skin diseases

Course participants will:

  • Have the opportunity to replay video lectures from medical experts.
  • Participate in discussions of patient cases, evaluate and make decisions.
  • Receive a comprehensive course folder and research/readings in the field.
  • All presentation slides available for download.
  • Participate in course webinars prior to the examinations and ask questions.
  • Receive unlimited and ongoing access to free alumni learning resources, video lectures, and discussion forums, as well as invite-only events and special offers after completion of the course.
  • Receive ongoing support post-course through webinars and case review
  • Have the opportunity to participate in optional clinical attachments at dedicated dermatology facilities.

COURSE OUTLINE

Module 1 – bites: spiders, snakes and insects

This module focuses on how to detect, assess and plan treatment for insect, spider and snake bites. Venomous and non-venomous bites and stings are discussed including defining the difference between a bite and a sting. Insect bite and sting reactions including managing bite allergies are detailed. Diseases transmitted by insect bites are outlined including treatment options. Clinical and dermoscopic images are used throughout the module. Identifying and managing snake bites including first aid measures are discussed.

Module 2 – skin ulcers, pressure sores and wound care

This module introduces the guide to identifying skin ulcers, pressure sores and wound care including treatment for a range of pressure ulcers. The definition, symptoms and stages of pressure injuries are outlined including the wound healing process. The second section involves eight clinical cases and looks at how to identify the wounds, the wound healing stages and how to clinically manage each of these cases including screening for risk factors and underlying causes such as diabetes. Considerations include choice of dressings, bandages, equipment and the healing process. Non-healing ulcers are also discussed. Prevention strategies for patients at high risk of developing pressure ulcers are outlined. The final section focusses on wound care including debridement, cleansing, dressings and topical agents. Best practice recommendations are featured.

Module 3 – pregnancy dermatoses

This module focuses on diagnosing complex pregnancy dermatoses and the implementation of appropriate investigations and management strategies. The physiologic changes during pregnancy are detailed including hyperpigmentation, hair and nail, glands, connective tissue and vascular changes. The clinical and histopathological features of pemphigoid gestationis, polymorphic eruption of pregnancy, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and atopic eruption of pregnancy are discussed together with differential diagnosis and management. The module concludes with identifying and managing autoimmune progesterone dermatitis and neonatal lupus.

Module 4 – oral mucosal diseases

This module covers oral mucosal diseases and how to recognize various conditions of the tongue, oral mucosa and lips. The first section focusses on tongue conditions including clinical features of the geographic, fissured and black hairy tongue. It discusses the management of aphthous ulcers, the manifestations of oral lichen planus and pemphigus vulgaris and other conditions including oral leukoplakia, cancer and Kaposi’s sarcoma. The features, symptoms and treatment for these conditions are outlined. Differential diagnosis and prevention strategies for a number of these conditions are included. Lip conditions in this module include mucocele, fibromas, pyogenic granulomas and SCC. Clinical images are used throughout the module.

Module 5 – urticaria and drug eruptions

This module focuses on identifying, diagnosing and treating four different types of drug eruptions then moves to chronic urticaria and distinguishing between erythema multiforme, Steven-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Allergic conditions and less common reactions are included. The causes, differential diagnosis and management of chronic urticaria are discussed in detail. Contributors to triggering these conditions are outlined as well as treatment options. Clinical cases provide visual learning.

Module 6 – nutritional dermatoses and delusions of parasitosis

This module discusses malnutrition, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, obesity dermatoses and delusions of parasitosis. The classifications and causes of malnutrition are explained in detail, including demographics, symptoms, testing, management and prognosis. The vitamin and mineral deficiency section explains how key vitamins and minerals work, their sources, and features/symptoms of deficiency. Differential diagnoses and treatment options are included. Obesity dermatoses is addressed and includes symptoms for leg ulcers, lipodermatosclerosis and lymphedema. The module concludes with the psychiatric disorder of delusions of parasitosis. Clinical patient presentations demonstrating this condition are shown and the management of this condition is suggested.

Module 7 – sexually transmitted infections and HIV

This module demonstrates how to identify cutaneous manifestations of sexually transmitted infections including HIV and how to diagnose and treat related skin conditions using pattern recognition, history and laboratory exams. STIs covered include HPV, HSV, syphilis, condyloma, genital herpes, chancroid and gonorrhea. Clinical cases are provided extensively throughout the module. Clinical features, testing and treatment options are outlined. HIV related skin conditions include seborrheic dermatitis, malassezia, crusted scabies, lymphedema, HPV and SCC are addressed with treatment options and best practice recommendations.

Module 8 – vulvar skin diseases

This module focuses on skin conditions of the vulva and includes pigmented lesions and inflammatory skin diseases. The first section investigates benign pigmented lesions on mucosal areas and includes melanosis, seborrheic keratosis, angiokeratoma, nevi, melanoma and Paget’s disease. Inflammatory skin diseases including eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus and lichen sclerosus. Irritants, allergens, symptoms and treatment options are listed. The role of reflectance confocal microscopy to assist with diagnosis of difficult lesions is considered.

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SPECIAL RATES AND PAYMENT OPTIONS

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*The individual offers and special rates cannot be used in conjunction with any other specials. 

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MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS

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Prof Richard P. Usatine

MD PhD

Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Texas, USA

Founder and medical director of the University Health System Skin Clinic in San Antonio, USA

Professor Richard Usatine is the Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Texas. He is the author of nine books and over 120 papers, founder of the Interactive Dermatology Atlas on the web, and is the most recognised skin cancer presenter in the USA. Since 2000, he has been chosen yearly by his peers to be included in The Best Doctors in America. He is also the national chair of the yearly Skin Course put on by the American Academy of Family Physicians, and is the founder and medical director of the University Health System Skin Clinic in San Antonio.

Richard has been involved in Global Health through his work in Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Haiti and Ethiopia. In 2000, Richard Usatine was recognised as the national recipient of the Humanism in Medicine Award, by the Association of American Medical Colleges.

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A/Prof Caterina Longo

MD PhD

Scientific Coordinator, Skin Cancer Unit, ASMN-IRCCS, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy

Associate Professor Caterina Longo is a board-certified dermatologist specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers. Although providing the best care possible for patients remains her primary goal, she also committed to education and clinical research. She is actively involved in clinical research and has published numerous papers on topics related to skin cancer with an emphasis on melanoma, atypical nevi, Spitz/Reed nevi and non-melanoma skin cancer.

Caterina’s research interests are focused on the use of imaging instruments such as dermoscopy and confocal laser microscopy to recognise skin cancer early in its development. She pioneered the use of ex vivo fluorescence confocal microscopy for micrographic Mohs surgery applied for basal cell carcinoma and other visceral tumours. Caterina frequently lectures on these topics both nationally and internationally.

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Dr Christopher M Ross

BSc(BiomedSc)(Hons) BMBS FACD

Dr Christopher Ross is an Adelaide-based Dermatologist who completed a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science with Honours at Adelaide University in 2004, before completing his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery at Flinders University in 2008.

Dermatology specialist training was conducted at Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Flinders Medical Centre and Royal Adelaide Hospital; he was awarded Fellowship of the Australasian College of Dermatologists (FACD) in 2016. Dr Ross has published multiple articles in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology and has written and presented several courses in General Dermatology with HealthCert for teaching purposes.

Dr Ross has a keen interest in rural dermatology, providing outreach services to Darwin and rural South Australia. He also holds the position of Visiting Medical Specialist at Flinders Medical Centre, providing care and teaching to Dermatology registrars. Dr Ross has an interest in all general dermatology including acne, eczema, psoriasis and hair loss.

Dr Ross become a founding member of DermoDirect, which is an online teledermatology service that provides a valuable specialist service to rural areas of Australia. He also is a founder of Diagnode, the telehealth platform behind Dermodirect.

 

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Dr Daniel Stulberg

MD, FAAFP

Dr Daniel Stulberg is a Professor and the Vice Chair of Education in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of New Mexico, USA. After completing the Inteflex program and residency at the University of Michigan in 1990, he worked for eight years in rural Arizona before moving into full time teaching. Daniel has published multiple articles and presents at national conferences regarding skin care and treatment. He has a dual appointment in family medicine and dermatology with an emphasis on skin care and procedural family medicine.

COURSE DELIVERY AND ASSESSMENT

This Professional Diploma of General Dermatology is delivered online in eight modules. We offer a ‘start anytime online’ course structure, which gives flexible start and completion times for studies, as well as exam extensions, to fit in with busy schedules. Participants can enjoy the flexibility to study at their own pace, in their own time, within their home or office, and on their favourite mobile device. The modules are set up in such a way that participants are not required to be online at specific times but can view and replay the video lectures at their convenience. The two webinars scheduled half way through the course and prior to the exam period, offer the opportunity to join, ask questions and interact with the presenters online in real-time but can also be viewed later. There are no face-to-face requirements for exams which can be conveniently completed online within 12 months from the start of the course start date. With no travel, accommodation or out-of-office expenses incurred, participants can build critical skills and tailor their career while working in a busy practice or raising a family.

The course is delivered over 15 weeks with 12 weeks of teaching followed by three weeks for revision and final examinations. The course includes online presentations from experts in the field followed by patient case discussions and decision-making. There is a final webinar where participant questions are answered prior to the examinations.

A clinical audit is a mandatory element of this professional diploma. The clinical audit will guide you to reflect on your patient management, prior to and after, increasing your knowledge through your studies at HealthCert. You will need to submit your own cases as part of the audit. If you no longer see any cases in this field, the course offers an early exit point with the Complex Certificate.

The course includes: 

  • All presentation slides available for download.
  • Access to additional learning resources, reference materials and video lectures.
  • Reading list with references to peer-reviewed journal articles to keep up-to-date with developments in the field.
  • 12 month web-based support with the opportunity to ask the instructors questions while you implement your learning.

In order to meet the requirements of professional and academic learning, the course assessment includes professional requirements and two online examinations.

  • Develop a report/explanation of how the learning from this course will help you with your professional development.
  • Complete a literature review of three articles nominated by the course chair.
  • Complete a clinical audit (separately accredited) to demonstrate application of learning.

Online assessment

  • 120 knowledge multiple choice questions based on a scenario of a medical practitioner undertaking special interest training.
  • 120 authentic scenario based questions based on cases of patient care at a clinic
    • Example: A patient arrives at your clinic with this problem … What should you do?  Multiple choice images based on patient cases.

The pass mark for each exam is 80 per cent. It is therefore not possible to pass this course on knowledge alone. Knowledge must be successfully applied to patient cases in order to pass the course.

HealthCert recommends completion of all requirements at your convenience within 12 months from the start of the course start date.

CERTIFICATION AND ACCREDITATION

Professional Diploma of General Dermatology

Upon successful completion of the course requirements, course participants will receive the Professional Diploma of General Dermatology certificate and below points. To learn more about the delivery of certificates in Australia and overseas, please visit our FAQs.

 
RACGP CPD Accredited Activity 40 Points
ACRRM - PDP units: 42 Educational activity, 16 Performance review
 
Complete the optional Clinical Audit to demonstrate your learning outcomes and receive an additional 40 RACGP CPD points or equivalent ACRRM PDP hours.
 

This professional diploma certificate:

  • Provides CPD points from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
  • Provides PDP points from the Australian Council of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
  • Is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP).
  • Is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP). The HKCFP recognises all courses
    endorsed by the RACGP. Points are calculated differently.
  • Is a self-submitted activity in Dubai. The number of CPD points must be stated on the certificate. Please contact PLD@dhcr.gov.ae for more information.
  • Is a self-submitted activity in the UK. CPD events overseas, applicable to a doctor’s scope of practice, may be submitted for revalidation. Please confirm with your Responsible Officer.
  • Is a self-submitted activity in Canada through the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Category 1 points are reported as certified and Category 2 points are reported as non-certified. Contact mainprocredits@cfpc.ca for more information.
  • Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.
  • Is quality-assured by Bond University.
  • Is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP). The HKCFP recognises all courses endorsed by the RACGP. Points are calculated differently.
  • Provides credit for Postgraduate Diploma in General Dermatology which is studied online at the Rila Institute of Health Sciences which in turn provides credit for a Master of Science in Dermatology awarded by the University of Plymouth (UK).
  • Has been independently developed with subject specialists and does not receive education grants from any pharmaceutical company.

EDUCATION PATHWAYS

Postgraduate Pathway

This pathway is suitable for doctors who are mainly interested in clinical academic study.

Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology studied through the Rila Institute of Health Sciences and awarded by the University of Plymouth (UK).

There are three modules in the Postgraduate Diploma. Medical professionals who successfully complete the HealthCert Professional Certificate of General Dermatology, Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology and Professional Diploma of General Dermatology will be eligible to apply for Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning (APCL) for module 3 of the Rila Institute/Plymouth University Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology.

The Postgraduate Diploma is mainly delivered online. No practical workshops will be required due to the APCL from the HealthCert qualifications. Overall there will be a time saving of 40 per cent of the postgraduate program due to the APCL. Exams will be held in Perth, Western Australia.

When the Postgraduate Diploma has been successfully completed, medical professionals can apply for credit from the Postgraduate Diploma to the Master of Science in the specialism awarded by the University of Plymouth.

 

Certified Clinical Attachments Pathway

Upon completion of the Professional Certificate of General Dermatology, participants can complete a Dermatology Clinical Attachment to increase the safety and accuracy of their work. Clinical Attachments in Dermatology are currently available at the University of Vienna under the supervision of Professor Harald Kittler. 

Course graduates may also join the International Society of Dermatology (ISD).
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